Community Food Security

FoodNet Ontario has adopted the following definition of community food security:

“A situation in which all community residents obtain a safe, culturally acceptable, nutritionally adequate diet through a sustainable food system that maximizes self-reliance and social justice.”

A secure food system is:

Accessible – available and affordable

Nutritious – safe and healthy

Acceptable – in terms of both culture and taste

Sustainable –the water, land and people who grow and produce food are protected

Three main strategies are used to improve community food security in Ontario:

1. Emergency and Short Term Strategies (e.g., food banks);
2. Capacity Building Strategies (e.g., Collective Kitchens, Community Gardens, Good Food Box, farmers’ markets);
3. System Change Strategies (e.g., policy development, advocacy, social marketing, campaigns).

Other activities that support community food security include:

• Research
• Educational programs and materials
• Economic initiatives to support local food production and distribution
• Networking
• Building partnerships and alliances